The best 50 family films to watch together this Christmas

Part of a Good Christmas is getting the family sat down together to watch a film or two while making your way through a few tins of Quality Street. You know, just in case you're not already stuffed to the gunnels with Turkey. Choosing the right movie can be a touch tricky. A little too much disagreement and it won't be long before you've got splinter groups on your hands.

To help you out, we at Pocket-lint have put together a list of the 50 best family films of all time with everyone a guaranteed winner and completely safe for young children and grandparents alike. No swearing, no nudity, no nookie and no excess violence beyond the odd possible face melt in No.11. Most of all though, they're films that everyone will enjoy from start to finish. Don't forget to buy on Blu-ray where you can and do make sure to add your favourites in the comments below.

Christmas

What could add more to the Christmas feel than well, films about Christmas. There's plenty on the Chrimbo themed front that is total dross, many of the worst culprits including Santa Claus himself. When they get it right however, it doesn't get much better. Snow, Christmas trees and all the other visual touches add to the festive family feel like no other.

1. Home Alone

"He's only a kid Harry, we can take him on" - Kevin McCallister defend his house from two burglars using all manner or tricks and traps.

2. Scrooged

Bill Murray puts his own stamp on a classic tale with a modern day version of Scrooge.

3. The Snowman

Be it the David Bowie intro, which is important as Christmas day itself to us, or the classic song, this is a film which just has to be watched with the family.

4. Batman Returns

We promise you this one is for real. The whole film manages to combine Batman with a Christmas theme, bats flying out of Chrimbo trees and all.

5. Jingle All the Way

Jingle All the Way might not be massive on the intellectual stimulation front but, with lines like "I gotta tell you, Santa, there's something about this place that doesn't seem quite... Kosher" all is forgiven.

6. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

Clark W Griswold getting twisted up in the classic American family Christmas in a way only Chevy Chase can.

7. Santa Claus: The Movie

Surprisingly palatable tale of how Santa manages to do it all with the late, great Dudley Moore to help push things along.

It might be in black and white but 10 minutes of this classic will convert even the hardiest of sceptics.

10. A Nightmare Before Christmas

Fantastic, slightly dark musical from Tim Burton and Danny Elfman about how Halloween decides to take over Christmas.

Fantasy & Adventure

Nothing wrong with a good bit of adventuring, particularly at Christmas time where most young ones are feeling particularly excitable. The best bit about adventure movies is the appeal they have to both young and old.

11. Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade

The Last Crusade is Indiana Jones and family, it's virtually made for kids; just watch out for the odd face melt.

12.Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl

The Curse of the Black Pearl introduced us to the joys of Captain Jack Sparrow and chums - a swashbuckling adventure with a script that is witty enough to entertain people of all ages.

13. Star Wars - Return of the Jedi

Of the three original Star Wars movies this one has Ewoks, just about the most family friendly creature we can think of.

14. Back to the Future

Excitement, gadgetry and giggles that everyone can enjoy. You really need us to explain any more?

15. Jurassic Park

No one will forget the first time the T-Rex makes an appearance or the Velociraptor scene in the kitchen. Just the right side of frightening.

16. The Princess Bride

Probably the perfect family film - swords, adventure, piracy and true love. And a nice mutton lettuce and tomato sandwich.

17. The Goonies

Indiana Jones, only with kids and a Cyndi Laupa soundtrack.

18. Time Bandits

Mischievous dwares steal a map of spacetime and take little boy on adventure through history. Got it? Now skew the whole thing with Terry Gilliam as director.

19. ET: The Extra Terrestrial

Ouuuch..Well that's our favourite bit. E.T. convinced us aliens could be loveable and not burst through our chests.

20. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Gene Wilder, rivers of chocolate and that weird bit in the tunnel that's best avoided.

Animated

The majority of the time a good animated movie can be a perfect go between for every family member. Teenagers might rebel, but usually will give in once the good old fashioned wholesome Christmas feel begins. Companies like Pixar have proved that an animated film can be just as entertaining to the young as the old.

21. Toy Story 2

Buzz and Woody form one of the most iconic animated movie friendships ever.

22. Princess Mononoke

A Miyazaki classic and a great introduction to Studio Ghibli for those who haven't seen its movies before.

23. How to Train your Dragon

3D adventure of young vikings destined to walk their own path.

24. The Iron Giant

Boy meets robot in an animated adventure like no other. Brilliantly drawn and with a wholly digestible story.

25. Wallace and Gromit in a Close Shave

The cheese loving dog and man duo attempt to impress a lady, while saving some sheep on the way.

Stylised French animated adventure where a lady tracks down her captured professional cyclist son with the help of her dog and friends.

28. Monsters Inc.

Pixar look from the other side at the monsters who really are sent into our rooms at night.

29. Ratatouille

Heart-warming story of a rat who can cook and a pot wash who really can't.

30. James and the Giant Peach

Large fruit and smaller child go on adventure with a host of crazy animals.

Classic

Just because something is in black and white doesn't mean its boring - although you might have to explain that to the younger ones. A few minutes with one of these classics, though, and they should be totally hooked.

31. Mary Poppins

This movie virtually invented the idea of a Christmas classic. No festive season would be complete without.

32. Kes

Lessons can be learned from this touching northern classic about one boy and his Kestrel.

33. An Affair to Remember

Love story with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr culminating on Christmas Eve at the Empire State building. Tissues/sick bags at the ready.

34. Singing in the Rain

Love story as change comes in the movie business along with umbrellas and hopelessly over-copied classic scenes.

35. My Fair Lady

Hubris abounds as phonetic professor bets that he can teach a commoner to behave like a lady.

The baby of the Lint team, Hunter has been a tech fan since he bought his first MiniDisc..and what a waste of money that was. He began writing about electronics at the age of 16 and hasn't stopped since. Nowadays he fulfils his mobile phone and gaming obsession whilst attempting to distract people from his bizarre name. Regular meetings with the Gladiators crew see Hunter often returning to work battered and bruised. Considers himself a music obsessive, was once the most highly decorated scout in the country. Fan of trousers.